Tragic Accident Strikes Downtown Fort Lauderdale

A worker tragically lost his life when a section of a crane collapsed onto the Southeast 3rd Avenue bridge in downtown Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, causing devastation to a car and leaving three others injured.

Location and Timing

The incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. on the bridge spanning the New River, near Southeast 4th Street.

Emergency Response

According to Fort Lauderdale fire officials, the worker fell from a construction site. Two individuals from vehicles involved were rushed to the hospital, one in stable condition and the other with minor injuries, while a third person received on-site treatment.

Scene and Witnesses

Footage captured from Chopper 6 revealed the mangled vehicle and another nearby car. Multiple police units and paramedics swiftly arrived at the site.

A resident, Abby, residing across from the collapse site, recounted witnessing the crane plummet and hearing distressing screams from construction workers, describing the experience as deeply unsettling.

Tony Perez, a witness returning home from work, expressed shock at seeing the crane’s descent and the subsequent crash onto a car, emphasizing how narrowly he escaped a similar fate.

Evacuations and Bridge Closure

Adjacent buildings were evacuated as a safety precaution, although officials later confirmed their structural integrity.

The bridge remains closed in both directions indefinitely as investigations proceed. The collapse caused significant damage to the bridge, necessitating repairs and structural assessments before it can reopen.

Traffic Advisory

Motorists were advised to steer clear of the area from Broward Boulevard southward.

Investigation

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will spearhead the investigation into the tragic incident.